The Watson Era

Saturday night is a new beginning for Clemson football. Saturday night is the start of the Deshaun WatsonDeshaun WatsonFr. Quarterback#4 6-3, 204Gainesville, GAView Full Profile Era.

You could say that it started with the fourth drive in the FSU game but this is the first time fans go into a game knowing Watson is the guy and there is a buzz around the Clemson program as a result.

At this point the sample size is only three games but the true freshman from Gainesville, GA has dazzled.

If Watson is anything close to being as good as I think he is then Clemson football is in great shape the next three or four seasons.

What we have seen from Watson has given the fan base a renewed enthusiasm in the face of a 1-2 start.

The thing I like about Watson the most is his poise. He doesn't look like a true freshman. The moment has not been too big for him. In the season opener in Athens he came into the game and looked as cool as a cucumber. I would think most freshmen playing 30 minutes from their hometown in a hostile environment would show some signs of nerves. Watson looked like he had been doing this all of his life. His eyes didn't look scared. He looked focused on the process and came into the game to deliver two beautiful passes in his first drive as a Tiger, including a phenomenal touchdown pass to Charone PeakeCharone PeakeRS Jr. Wide Receiver#19 6-3, 204Moore, SCView Full Profile.

Shortly after touching The Rock for the first time in his first home game, Watson ripped off more terrific throws and led his team to four touchdowns in his four drives. His only incompletion was a ball that could have been caught.

And last week in a hostile environment against the nation's top-ranked team and a future NFL secondary Watson went 19 of 28 and won the ACC's Rookie-of-the-Week award. In doing so he looked calm and never backed down from the moment.

Watson's mobility in the pocket is perhaps the thing that impresses me next. He moves around in the pocket after feeling pressure while he keeps his eyes looking downfield. Watson senses pressure and escapes to buy extra time in the pocket.

When flushed from the pocket his arm strength and accuracy take over. The throw he made to Adam HumphriesAdam HumphriesSr. Wide Receiver#13 5-11, 193Spartanburg, SCView Full Profile on the run in Tallahassee is an example of a physical marvel.

Watson has been described as a dual threat quarterback and can hurt the defense when he decides to run, but I would still consider him a passer first. The zone read is a part of his game but at this point it is not the strength of his game.

Finally, another extremely impressive aspect of this freshman is his humble nature. As humans one of our weaknesses is handling success. Most of us crumble with success. At this point I love what I see and hear from Watson. Unlike many egos, Watson appears to be grounded and well suited for the accolades that could spoil others.

There is a lot to like about this freshman and he comes along at a point where Clemson fans needs something to cling to. A 1-2 start without the potential success in the future with Watson wouldn't be quite as intriguing or exciting as the next nine games appear to be with him.

Is it fair to put so much on the shoulders of a true freshman? After all, Clemson does have seniors like Grady JarrettGrady JarrettSr. Defensive Tackle#50 6-1, 290Conyers, GAView Full Profile, Vic BeasleyVic BeasleyRS Sr. Defensive End#3 6-2, 236Adairsville, GAView Full Profile and Stephone AnthonyStephone AnthonySr. Linebacker#42 6-2, 244Polkton, NCView Full Profile in this season. To call it an era with a true freshman at the helm might not be fair to others in the program. However, if most of us are honest, the reason for excitement about Saturday night starts with the first start for Deshaun Watson. The next three or four years appear to be bright when you think about the signing class of offensive linemen like Mitch Hyatt, Jake Fruhmorgen and Noah Green, plus the skill athletes like Deon Cain and Ray Ray McCloud III. But it all starts with Watson and it all starts Saturday night in Death Valley.

The Brad Hughes All-State Insurance Agency

Prayer List

We have started a prayer list on the blog. Here are the guidelines:

If you are offended by prayer or prayer lists then I apologize in advance. The blog is free and the prayer list will be on the bottom of the page so you don’t have to read it.

If you would like to add someone to the list please email me at mickeyplyler@hotmail.com

*Please let me know when it is appropriate to take the person off of the prayer list.